Are you new to the world of card making? Do you want to dabble in paper crafting? Are you tired of paying over the top prices in stores for pretty cards? Maybe you have a creative side that just needs to be cultivated. Greeting cards are a quick and easy project with which to start!
Perhaps you’ve seen magazines, blogs, and websites where detailed descriptions on how to make a card are posted. You read through the instructions, but something still confuses you.
Most directions start with the words, “Make your card base.” “What is that?” you ask. A card base is simply the folded part of the card that you decorate. It is the bottommost layer. And, just in case you want to know, a card front is the front part of the card. It measures 4 ¼” X 5 ½” but is NOT folded. It is the topmost part of the card.
While there are MANY sizes and shapes for cards, here, I will show you the 2 standard sizes with 2 ways to open each one. This will give you a total of four variations on a card base which gives a nice variety with which to begin.
A standard size sheet of card stock is 8 ½” X 11″. To start, cut the sheet in half either the long way or the short way. If you cut on the LONG (the eleven inch) side you will get a piece of card stock that is 5 ½” X 8 ½”. If you choose to cut on the SHORT (the 8 ½” side) you will get a piece of card stock that is 4 ¼” X 11″. Once you have your piece, fold it in half and you have your card base.
The card base will open one of two ways: from the bottom to the top or from the side. Your finished card base will measure 4 ¼” X 5 ½”. Whichever you choose, all of these will fit into a standard A2 envelope, which measures 4 3/8″ X 5 ¾”.
The other standard size sheet of card stock is 12″ X 12″. The most common sizes of card bases made using this size of card stock are 3″ X 6″ and 3″ X 3″. These are simply made by cutting the 12″ X 12″ piece of card stock into four 6″ X 6″ squares. Take one square and fold in half to make your 3″ X 6″ card base. Take another square and cut in half to 3″ X 6″. Fold that in half to get your 3″ X 3″ card base.
Hopefully, this helps those of you wanting to start making your own greeting cards.
- Post Time: 11-28-15 - By: http://www.rfidang.com